For purposes of this Article, the following definitions are applicable. (1) Writings. “Writings” consist of letters, words, or numbers, or their equivalent, set down by handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, magnetic impulse, mechanical or electronic recording, or other form of data compilation or preservation. (2) Original. An “original” of a writing is the writing itself or any other writing intended to have the same effect by a person executing or issuing it.
Rule 2:1001.DEFINITIONS
Part Two: Virginia Rules of Evidence · Last amended 2012 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2:1001 defines writings broadly to include any letters, words, or numbers recorded by any method — handwriting, typing, printing, photography, or electronic means — and defines an original as the writing itself or any counterpart the executing or issuing person intended to have the same effect.
Full Text of Rule 2:1001
Plain-English Summary
Rule 2:1001 supplies the vocabulary for the best-evidence article that follows. “Writings” is defined broadly: letters, words, or numbers, or their equivalent, set down by handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, magnetic impulse, mechanical or electronic recording, or any other form of data compilation or preservation. That method-neutral definition sweeps in modern forms of recorded information alongside traditional paper documents, so the best-evidence article is not confined to ink-and-paper writings.
“Original” gets its own definition, one that reaches past a single physical document. An original is the writing itself, or any other writing that the person executing or issuing it intended to have the same effect. That second branch matters for documents executed in counterparts or duplicate originals — a contract signed in two identical copies, each intended to carry equal legal effect, can each qualify as an original under this definition, not just the first copy signed.
These definitions frame everything that follows in the article, from the requirement to produce an original in Rule 2:1002 through the exceptions allowing other evidence of contents in Rule 2:1004 and the rules for using copies in Rule 2:1005.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a writing under Virginia’s best-evidence rules?
Rule 2:1001(1) defines writings broadly as letters, words, or numbers set down by handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, magnetic impulse, mechanical or electronic recording, or any other form of data compilation or preservation.
Does the definition of writing cover electronic records?
Yes. Rule 2:1001(1) expressly includes magnetic impulse and mechanical or electronic recording, along with other forms of data compilation or preservation.
What is an original under Rule 2:1001?
The writing itself, or any other writing that the person executing or issuing it intended to have the same effect.
Can a document have more than one original under this rule?
Yes. If a person executing or issuing multiple counterparts intended each to have the same effect, each counterpart can qualify as an original under Rule 2:1001(2).
Why do these definitions matter for the rest of the best-evidence article?
Rules 2:1002 through 2:1008 all build on what counts as a writing and an original, so Rule 2:1001’s definitions determine how broadly those later rules reach.
Amendment History
Adopted and promulgated by Order dated June 1, 2012; effective July 1, 2012.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, published by the
Supreme Court of Virginia. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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